The Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) is accepting applications for “Operation Recognition,” a unique program that awards retroactive high school diplomas for Japanese Americans and United States veterans who were unable to finish school due to war-time circumstances or Jim Crow laws.

“Throughout the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, thousands of young men and women left high school and the comforts of home to serve in the United States armed forces,” said SCOE, noting that Japanese-Americans were forced into “relocation camps” during World War II and Black servicemen were denied diplomas due to systemic racism such as Jim Crow. “These individuals now have the opportunity to be granted diplomas as a gesture of gratitude for the sacrifices they made.”

Eligible people include veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Japanese-American citizens must show proof of being interned during the period of September 16, 1940 to December 31, 1946.

Source: Vets, Japanese-Americans given second chance at high school diploma – Times-Herald